Maybe because it's not great monuments or museums extraordinary Bordeaux seems a city that can be known in 24 hours. But do not be fooled: it is a villa made of streets with beautiful buildings and squares full of charm and temptations. Bordeaux is the place to unleash the sin of gluttony, as they happen bakeries, bistros and wine bars. The streets smell of butter, chocolate, sophisticated local dishes ... and of course, wine. Forget the rules, and make not only the delicacies that are offered but the prudent prices, unusually low in the case of France. Yes, 24 hours is enough to enjoy the city, but I know a little. Here is a path to open mouth. 9.30 Breakfast in Port Dijeaux The lively terrace Dijeaux Coffee (1), overlooking the gardens Gambetta, is a good place for the first meeting with Bordeaux life. Scroll through the Rue de la Porte Dijeaux, a pedestrian street with many shops of French firms. On the left you will see the old bookstore Mollet (2), which retains some of its original structure. Turn right on Rue Vital Carles, and notice a beautiful building, the Hotel du Prefect (3). At the end of the street is the Plaza de Jean Moulin. Enjoy the superb picture of the eighteenth-century buildings. Map of Bordeaux (France). / Javier Belloso Notre Dame d'Aquitaine 10.30 Progress towards the Cathedral of Saint Andre (4). Note that most of the religious architecture of Bordeaux is more interesting outside than inside. Still, Saint André worth a visit, if only to see that the body, which is the largest in France. Leaving find Pey Berland Tower, which is actually the bell tower of the cathedral. The largest bell, called Notre Dame de Aquitaine, weighs eight tons. The tower dates from the fifteenth century and has four levels. The brave can climb the 231 steps and enjoy an incredible view. Those who dare can not have a coffee in one of the terraces. 12.00 On the street of Victor Hugo Let's take a walk to the river by the Cours Pasteur. On the left, look at the facade of the Museum of Aquitaine (5). Left take Victor Hugo Street, offering the vision of two notable buildings: to the right, the Lycee Montaigne (6), and, on the left, the bell tower of the church of Saint Eloi (7). At the end of the Cours is the door of Burgundy (8). We are facing the Garonne river. Crossing the Pont de Pierre (9) to appreciate the view. Then retrace your steps to take the Rue de la Fusterie becoming the place du Bourg, where you will see the church of Saint Michel (10). Surround it and look at the porch and bell tower. In the square, antiques lovers come together at Le Passage Saint Michelle, a lovely mixed bag where you can find vintage furniture or jewelry centenarians. Strolling in ten minutes we arrive at the Place de la Victoire (11), a lively place to be center of university life. This is a good area to eat the plate du jour at an affordable price. There are several rooms, but we recommend Auguste or San Anton, with menu 13 euros. 15.00 Sweet steps Chartrons district in Bordeaux (France). / JD Dallet Climb the Rue de Sante Catherine (12). At the beginning of the street there are many cheap clothing stores. Then the area will be more sophisticated and expensive. We'll be back to the Rue de la Porte Dijeaux, and moving the bow of Port Dijeaux find a place that requires a stop: Baillardran pastry (13), the best place to test cannelés Bordeaux: a fluffy biscuits crunchy exterior as the pastry chefs confess, are very difficult to do. All of this confectionery are unsurpassed. The ready to wear, but eat freshly made is an experience. Walking on the left, go down the Rue Bouffard, a little street with antique shops. On the right, in a beautiful hotel, is the Museum of Decorative Arts (14) (39 Rue Bouffard). Spend some time: not only exhibit fans or porcelain, but recreating the eighteenth lifestyle in different rooms. From there, in less than ten minutes to reach the secluded Chapelet Square, where we see the church of Notre Dame (15), Baroque, which hosted the funeral of Francisco de Goya. At the back, the beautiful Nice hotel, and left the old shopping arcade Sarget. Two minutes is the Marche du Grands Hommes (16) (Place des Grands Hommes). If you want to buy local delicacies, shop Ducs de Gascogne (4 Galerie des Grands Hommes) is perfect. 18.00 Do not miss a drink Bernar Venet sculpture opposite the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux (France). / Romain Cintract We expect the Place de la Comedie, Bordeaux center of life, full of lively cafés chaired by striking opera house (17), in which there is a luxurious restaurant low. Next to the square is the Bordeaux Wine Academy (18), with its Bar au vin (3 Cours du XXX Juillet). There you can choose between twenty labels by the glass at very correct. For example: a glass (15 cl) of Pressac Chatau sublime (Saint Emilion Grand Cru) costs 6 euros. If you try several wines can order half glasses. Would you like a tasting led by a sommelier? On Fridays, and subject, the restaurant Comptoir Cuisine (19) offers four wines and four caps for his expert commented, Nicolas Lacoste, who speaks perfect Spanish. The price, reasonable: 20 euros per person. 20.30 Two options For dinner, head to the place du Parlament. It is a bustling and beautiful, with many terraces. At number 16 is the square Edouard (20), where a dinner for two with a bottle of wine is less than 50 euros. If you want something special, in the Rue St. Pierre du Parlament is Le Petit Comerce (21), with its tempting offer of seafood. Sources nocturnal 22.00 A last walk: down the Rue Ferdinand Philippart arrived at the Place de la Bourse, one of the most beautiful places in Bordeaux. The lighting of buildings and its central source makes it worthwhile to see at night. Move closer to the river to see the so-called lakes (large ponds where children splash in summer) and fire the day with a drink on the terrace of the restaurant Gabriel (22) (one Michelin star).

The winemaker, photographed last year in Bordeaux during the presentation of Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute. / Pierre Andrieu (AFP) He likes business, land, music, art, vine, wine and life. And olives. This latest passion is recent, supervening as love at first sight in Catalonia, while he was looking for a farm in the Priory. From there he took Bernard Magrez an old ancient tree to replant their land in Bordeaux. Perhaps the first witness to the search for immortality of this great vineyard owner. "At 76 years, never have enough time. I have hurry to do good, give back some of what life has given me, "said Magrez, Mr. and philosopher, in his original farm Pape Clément (have other 39), grand cru appellation of Graves, whose vineyards are perfectly aligned resist the urbanization of the city of Bordeaux. Three flags restallan the wind above the entrance. The first contains the weapons of the master of the house, "the crossed keys of excellence on burgundy background." The second, "a papal tiara and keys of St. Peter", in honor of the sovereign pontiff Clement V, founder of the vineyard in the fourteenth century. The third, the blazon of Morbihan, a reference to the parental origins. "I never expressed the slightest tenderness", criticizes, but he was my father. I constantly told was useless. And put it in writing, I carried a label attached with a safety pin to the back to school. I sent an apprentice, with 13 years at an establishment specializing in Luchon. I learned forestry, some botanical and craft of sawing wood. There was another bad guy like me whose name was François Pinault . He has done no wrong. If my father could see me now, would be astonished and proud. Or so I hope. " The "rogue" trader was welcomed at Jean Cordier, then owner of the vineyards charismatic Talbot and Gruaud Larose. From errand boy, ie simple messenger, went to take charge of a small shop that sold declining port. The company became a huge. It was the early sixties and a commercial revolution born in the U.S. was about to reach Europe: hypermarkets. The first Carrefour opened in 1963. "It was in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois," recalls Magrez, who knocked in large stores as they were established. "Every city wanted a. He had to run to supply the whole world. " Besides port, rum Magrez proposed. Then punch, tequila and, finally, a whiskey, he called William Peel. "It was the best idea of ​​my life," he explains. "He started with a simple concept: France is the top consumer of Scotch whiskey in the world. I decided to work product quality, the shape of the bottle, the label, and I thought a good selling price. " For 15 years it was the market leader. "The culture with an eye toward others is the only thing left to face challenge when you have won everything" Also bought Sidi Brahim, a Moroccan wine label and created Malesan, a Bordeaux wine brand (12 million bottles a year). "During the first six years I was on the verge of ruin. He worked like a slave. I played it all. Always double or nothing. He never slept more than five hours, and many or sleep. He had cold sweats. I pursued the same nightmare: I saw in the Commercial Court by depositing the balance. Then, everything went so fast ... ". Thus came the fortune, career. In 2004, he sold all the Castel group to pursue the great wines. They were smaller amounts, but it acquired farms were classified, and the regions selected. "Pape Clément belonged to a family of Versailles," he says, "and my father had a minority stake. First I bought that part, and then the rest to the owner. " Magrez owns 40 vineyards today. And a private plane to visit. Besides Pape Clément, their star labels are La Tour Carnet , Fombrauge , Les Grands Chenes and Poumey. In addition, several wines in Côtes-de-Bourg, Côtes de Blaye, Languedoc and Provence, and others in Spain, California, Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, Japan, Chile. In total, 850 hectares of vineyards. Of these, 290, premier cru and grand cru. "I'm not a collector of vineyards," he says, "I just came pursue adventure. 15 years ago, people remained attached to a single wine, always the same. It varied little. Today goes in search of new emotions. And I do not do more to respond to consumer demand. Forty vineyards: 40 different emotions. " All bear his signature, imposed as mark of quality. When lands in a new company, its reputation for devouring ogre raises prices. "Every meeting we have in the negotiating process 500,000 euros cost me more," he admits. Magrez makes every effort to keep the business, but if it fails, move to another subject without any bitterness. And again lie in wait. "Ideas are always lurking. When you are your own boss and owns 100% stake in your company, making decisions alone and often goes too fast for others. Others are rather frightening and which put the brakes ". Magrez read everything that is written about the business world and loves the stories of winners: "There is always an idea to borrow." He also loves to press and bankers. The press because, by dint of talking about a product or a person settles his image in the public mind: repetition equals reputation. And the bankers, because they have always trusted him. "When I started in 1962," he recalls, "there were many who turned a blind eye if I could not meet a deadline." The serenity came with age. "The vital achievements are measured by what you give," he repeats. After having collected vintage cars, bronzes and Flemish paintings (flowers and still lifes of the XVI and XVII), joined with passion patronage. He bought 2.2 million-euros-a stradivarius who baptized Fombrauge (one of its grands crus of Saint-Émilion) and entrusted the French virtuoso Matthieu Arama , soloist of the orchestra of Bordeaux. "There is only one hundred stradivarius traveling the world. The majority belong to foundations. The other, between 300 and 400, always sleep in safes and do not touch ever. A waste! "Why muzzle the nightingales? And from there, to a sponsorship covering environmental protection, medical research (oncology, cardiology) and the arts. For them founded the Bernard Magrez Cultural Institute , which is responsible for promoting artists. "It leaves a permanent footprint with a foundation in business success. Culture with an eye toward others is the only remaining challenge to be faced when he has earned it. "

The Provincial Council of Bizkaia has published a guide on the origin, history and present txakoli, aimed at tourists and will be distributed in large restaurants and hotels Vizcaya, designations of origin for state and international level, and between publications. Txakoli of Bizkaia.The trip, written by the winemaker and sommelier Garaizabal Mikel, published in five languages, is directed to the traveler who approaches Bizkaia "looking away from a passive leisure tourism, with an active attitude, with concerns and desire to learn and experience, and to know your choices wine tourism offering, "remarked the council. So far, 5,000 copies have been printed: 500 in Basque, Castilian 3,000 and 1,500 more in English. And in January, another 2,000 copies were edited more: in Catalan (500) French (1000) and German (500). Deputy Economic Development, Imanol Pradales, recalled in the book launch that tourism is an economic engine that employs 30,000 people in the province. "Tourism is a growing industry and we need help to remain so. The economic situation we are facing requires vision. And tourism has a future in Bizkaia. Our commitment in this regard is final, "he added. Mikel Garaizabal won his Basque Country Wines 2003 Gourmand Award for best textbook on wines in the world. He has also published other Mahatsaren orpotik dator and Ardobidez. Garaizabal is a graduate of the School of Oenology of Laguardia and sommelier by the Chamber of Commerce of Madrid. It is also winemaker at the winery Mendraka Txakolina and technical director of Bizkaia Txakoli Museum. WINE BARREL / WINE BARRELS / OAK BARREL / OAK BARRELSBARRICAS / BARRILES DE ROBLE / BARRICAS DE MADERA EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Chinese companies are already present in the French wine, through control of wine cellars in Bordeaux and Burgundy. Now, a new transaction afinaza further the interest of entrepreneurs in the Asian giant to seize the production of wines Gauls, since in China have increasing presence and reach much higher prices than in Europe. The last operation, closed earlier this month, has been the purchase of Château Bellefont-Belcier a hotel cellar, wooded area about 13 hectares of vineyards, which involves the purchase, for the first time by a Chinese businessman, a grand cru classé of Saint-Emilion appellation. Grand cru classé is a score that is given only to the most highly regarded wineries within the denomination. The transaction of the property, located in the southwest of Bordeaux, and "finalized", according to confirmed the château and the middle of the transaction, the signing Franck Lagorce. Negotiations had been ongoing for months. According to a source close these negotiations have focused on a range of between 1.5 and 2 million euros per hectare Bellefont-Belcier farm has about 13 acres of vineyards and 20 hectares of total area. The buyer is a Chinese manufacturer of 45 years, Mr. Wang, who has steel activities in China. This country last year became the first export destination for Bordeaux wines, and there come to sell up to ten times more expensive than in France. The agreement was revealed by the magazine in the wine sector Terre de Vins , Group of the South West. 30 farms in Chinese hands This acquisition is the most prestigious on year in recent years by a Chinese investor in Bordeaux, where entrepreneurs of this country have acquired at least 30 farms and vineyards in the last four years. According to industry analysts and real estate experts, operations and focus ceserán not graduclamente most prestigious areas. In total, approximately 8,000 Bordeaux has production properties. 40 areas are now owned by Belgian investors and Next in the Chinese. Owners are also some Americans, South African or Japanese, although less powerful. The symbolic key handover has already been done. The domain is located in the municipality of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, near Saint-Emilion, a town that names the name. The vineyard Bellefont-Belcier has a small hotel capacity, but can accommodate up to 400 people for weddings or seminars, and has a dozen employees, who already appeared before the Chinese new owner, which so far has not revealed its plans and has returned home.

The singer Carla Bruni, wife of French president Nicolas Sarkozy, was charged today the award of a lot of wine, sold for 270,000 euros, in the traditional charity auction of the Hospices de Beaune (northeastern France). Bruni encouraged bids made ​​by a barrel of 350 liters of wine Corton Charlotte Dumay, who eventually became a buyer in the room Ukrainian Beaune, in Burgundy. The benefits of the operation are the Foundation for Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, dedicated to promoting access to culture for disadvantaged people, and Idée Foundation, which promotes building in Lyon of a center dedicated to the care of people with problems epilepsy. The lot, known as the "President's Room" which instructed the former first lady of France, supported in its mission by former Auxerre coach Guy Roux, was the star of this year's sale of 152 wines from the Hospices Beaune. This is a traditional event that apart from its charitable dimension, takes pulse of the market outlook for the wines of Burgundy, which this year were affected by multiple adverse weather conditions. Last year at this auction wine lots were awarded for a total of over 5.4 million. The barrel of charity offered by the Hospices de Beaune on that occasion stood at 100,000 euros for two agencies were working one on one on Alzheimer's and heart disease, much less made this afternoon under the auspices of Carla Bruni .

Past the early eighties, when the Rias Baixas designation of origin was in its infancy, was surprised by the appearance of a new white blue bottle. That itself was groundbreaking! Unfortunately, though correct, the wine was not up to the boldness of its creators. And not for lack of raw material for it. Villa Valiñas 2010 The winegrowers of Val do Salnés embarked on the adventure of bottling trellises of vines had leaning out the Frades Sea (Sea of ​​monks), this haunting landscape of the Ria de Arosa, near the mouth of the river Umia. An excellent vineyard recovered from neglect and abandonment. The change came in 2007 from the hand of Ramon Bilbao Rioja winery and its entrepreneurial CEO, winemaker Rodolfo Bastida. Daring design and quality of wine began to pair with this Finca culminating Valiñas 2010, aged on its lees, which is necessary for the best plus albariños. The special climatic characteristics of the year have a higher degree of complexity and elegance, with a flavor profile full of meaty and exotic fruit, citrus, wild flower, hay and distinguished touch of roasted nut saline background. Manifested in expressive mouth wide and freshness.

During the fifties and sixties, the sparkling cider The Piper, with added carbon dioxide, presided Christmas tables of many Spanish homes. It was the champagne of the poor, that is, almost everyone. With economic growth, his reign was being replaced by the cava. But it was a matter of time in Asturias, cider country, react. Although still in a limited way, and may be natural sparkling ciders sufficient quality to attempt recovery of households this holiday toast and bubbles. Ciders are made by the traditional system, with endogenous carbon dioxide. The arguments in favor of one or another drink are more balanced. The cellars have going for being a wine with power and much greater organoleptic complexity. Current natural sparkling ciders, rigorous processing and high quality, set its appeal in the low alcohol and a somewhat lower price. These stakeholders can wield good reasons to celebrate the holidays with cider or champagne. The choice is not so simple.

The Valencian cava turns 30. And to commemorate this Friday has been created called Valencian cava AVE. An act which has brought together two trains from Madrid and Valencia at the station Utiel-Requena, one of the towns that form part of the select club of processors cava. There has projected a video about the history of this drink and two winemakers and sommeliers have explained the process of realization. The celebration was attended by the President of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, who has called to be "the best ambassadors" of cava and other Valencian products, as well as "to show off what we have, what we produce and what we do well. " The President of the Generalitat, Alberto Fabra, urged to remain a world leader in this drink Alberto Fabra also stressed that the cellar-Utiel Requena is "a reference product and that from now on we must always accompany a good meal and all celebrations", noting that the ceremony served as a "tribute" to all people "who have been able to get to the point where we are". "Requena has managed to make a differentiated product, and continued effort and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Valencia and requenenses have made our wineries are sought in any store in order to be part of our meals," he stated. The head of the Consell has emphasized that combining "tradition and innovation" has been "give value to generate economic activity and employment dynamism" and noted that these municipalities Valencian wineries produce more than two million bottles of which 60 percent sold outside Spain. The president of the council of Valencia, Alfonso Rus, said that 90% of cava which is made in Valencia is the work of winemakers trained at the School of Viticulture and Enology Requena, owned by the Council of Valencia. He also stressed the "fiscal effort" provincial corporation doing to keep this school. Something considered necessary "in these times when the main concern positions generate jobs and hope." Finally, the mayor of Requena, Javier Berasaluce, has chosen to facilitate the implementation of new wineries in the area "because there is demand." "We need that wineries are installed in the area and, thus, continue to grow," he expressed.

The (CNC) has imposed a penalty of more than one million euros to three associations of winemakers appellation of origin of Valdepeñas and Castilla-La Mancha for determining the price at which the winemakers partners must pay by grapes. Asevivaldepeñas, ASEVICAMAN AMBV and are accused of manipulating the cost of this product from the start of the campaign in September. The AIC Designation of Valdepeñas (Intervaldepeñas), however, is not considered responsible for this breach of the rules. The CNC Council has explained that this behavior hurts all consumers and agricultural producers. WINE BARREL / WINE BARRELS / OAK BARREL / OAK BARRELSBARRICAS / BARRILES DE ROBLE / BARRICAS DE MADERA EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL